LI teen to take on lead role in 'Dear Evan Hansen'

January 30 is going to be “a good day” for Andrew Barth Feldman, a 16-year-old junior at the Lawrence Woodmere Academy.

On that day, he’ll assume the lead role in “Dear Evan Hansen,” where he’ll sing those “good day” lyrics to one of the Tony Award-winning musical’s most frequently cited songs (just check the show’s Twitter account). “As a real-life high school student, I relate to the character of Evan Hansen immensely,” said Feldman in a statement. “I’m so excited to get to make my Broadway debut in this show that means so much to me and my peers,” added Feldman, who was named best actor at the 2018 National High School Musical Theatre Awards for his portrayal of Frank Abagnale Jr. in his school’s production of “Catch Me If You Can.”

In the statement, the show’s director Michael Greif noted the complexity of the character, a socially anxious teen who has difficulty connecting with his fellow students. “There’s nothing more exciting than discovering young talent,” Greif said. “The moment Andrew walked into the room, we knew we’d found our next Evan.”